News and Events

La Casa de Don Pedro Hosted Its Second Annual Job Fair

March 9th, 2018

La Casa de Don Pedro’s Second Annual Job Fair was a day that inspired people to look to the future for opportunity. Held in our Personal Development Center at 39 Broadway in Newark, NJ our job fair brought out over 210 Newark residents looking for employment to La Casa de

La Casa de Don Pedro’s Second Annual Job Fair was a day that inspired people to look to the future for opportunity. Held in our Personal Development Center at 39 Broadway in Newark, NJ our job fair brought out over 210 Newark residents looking for employment to La Casa de Don Pedro. Starting bright and early on February 22nd, 30 employers came to our center preparing to meet with and hire Newark residents. Connecting the residents of our community to potential job opportunities is what drives events like La Casa’s job fair. With the unemployment rate in Newark at 7.9%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it’s vital to bridge the gap between the residents and employers. By offering opportunities for employment, La Casa de Don Pedro is encouraging Newark residents to become independent and self-sufficient, in turn tackling the unemployment rate of the city head-on.

With five rooms set up for residents to meet with employers, excitement filled the air. Dahama Johnson, a Newark resident attending the job fair said, “I came here today very specifically looking for something with New Jersey Transit as a bus operator or something similar to that. They had La Casa’s flyer on their website telling people about the job fair so here I am. Coming here today was a big help, I got to meet hiring staff from New Jersey Transit and even found out that they will be having on-site hiring at their facility on March 1st. All in all, this was a very successful job fair in my opinion. One of the best I’ve been to.” Taking advantage of opportunities to connect with real people in real time looking to hire Newark residents was at the top of Dahama’s list when looking for employment. She got just what she asked for when coming to see New Jersey Transit and the other employers at our job fair.

For some Newark residents, employers being available to them means they can look to the future with the prospects of employment despite any happening of their past. One Newark Resident at La Casa’s Second Annual Job Fair said, “It’s very hard sometimes to find a job, for me it’s even harder because of my past. They see someone who had a criminal record a long time ago and gets turned off by me, but I’m a hard worker. A lot of times people look past it and see that I am a hardworking man looking to work, but other times I can’t get so lucky. Having all of these options available to me makes it that much easier for someone like me, it gives me options. I have a lot of training as a chef; I came here today looking to see if Whole Foods Market can hire me. This job fair is a great opportunity for me and leaving here today I’m very hopeful for the future.”

Terrance Womble said, “I’m so happy that I got a chance to be here, I went to go see My Brother Keeper Alliance, Farmland Dairy, and Global Endorsement Group to check out the jobs. I spoke a lot to Mr. Gold from Global Endorsement Group so I hope something good comes from that. This job fair is really awesome, the unemployment rate in Newark is climbing and if La Casa can tackle that then I’m 100% behind it. We need more opportunities and events like this in the city.” La Casa’s Second Annual Job fair brought the opportunity to the residents of Newark. These opportunities inspire change and we will continue to provide chances like these for our residents.

La Casa’s Second Annual Job Fair connected Newark residents with countless opportunities to inspire change and advance their own self-sufficiency and empowerment. This world is fundamental to our mission.

Univision’s Unidad 41 A Tu Lado Visited La Casa de Don Pedro

March 1st, 2018

Univision’s Unidad 41 A Tu Lado team and host Berenice Gartner mobilized to La Casa de Don Pedro’s Community Center at 23 Broadway in Newark on Friday, February 16 to meet with Newark’s community and listen to some of their concerns and issues. Targeting the Tristate area, A Tu Lado

Univision’s Unidad 41 A Tu Lado team and host Berenice Gartner mobilized to La Casa de Don Pedro’s Community Center at 23 Broadway in Newark on Friday, February 16 to meet with Newark’s community and listen to some of their concerns and issues.

Targeting the Tristate area, A Tu Lado is Univision 41’s initiative to connect their team with the community to collect their stories and connect residents to the resources they need. They visit a variety of locations. This time, as one of Northern New Jersey’s premier community-based organizations with social expertise working with the Latino community, they approached La Casa to host their program.

The evening’s first case highlighted live was the story of Louis Medero, a community member living in Newark for the past 5 months, who was displaced from Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. He came to Newark with the promise to receive care for his existing medical conditions. He shared that the State Department and a tourism company promised that he would receive care for his existing medical conditions upon his arrival. After several appointments, he still has been left lacking the medical services he was promised. Mr. Medero currently lives in a hostel, a particularly difficult environment for someone with medical conditions, but the A Tu Lado team and La Casa de Don Pedro are dedicated to helping him.

Monica Taveres was another Newark Resident who shared her story. That previous Monday, on February 12 she left a manilla envelope containing all of her important personal documents on a bus while returning home in Paterson. The items included her and her husband’s passport, her social security card, along with her Certificate of Citizenship, all important documents that are very difficult to replace. Monica made a heartfelt plea on camera, “I would be so appreciative if you can help, I hope this touches your heart and if someone found my papers please return them to me, thank you.” If anyone has any information on the location of Monica’s paperwork please call 862-600-1842 to return them to her.

During the live feature of A Tu Lado, Edward Hernandez, La Casa’s Division Director of, Youth, Family, & Health Services spoke live with Berenice Gartner. Mr. Hernandez brought to light some issues our community members are most concerned about. The issues of immigration, more particularly DACA, is a topic that’s at the forefront of our constituent’s minds because of all the uncertainty around it. But At La Casa, we try to connect individuals from the community with those who can offer help. Division Director Edward Hernandez said, “La Casa makes itself available to help the community with whatever needs they have and also provide them with whatever tools they need to flourish. We offer expansive services with holistic approaches to advance the Newark community. If it’s education, head start program registrations or immigration assistance we want to be there for the community and provide them that assistance.”

This was an exciting night at La Casa. A Tu Lado reported that we had the greatest attendance compared to all of their other sites, with over 60 attendees. Of those attending, 35 of them were screened by the A Tu Lado team to evaluate how they could help. La Casa de Don Pedro was thrilled to have the A Tu Lado team and Berenice Gartner at our Community Center sharing with the residents of Newark. It’s partnerships like these that keep our community connected to the opportunities available to them. We plan to continue to help connect all those who walk through our doors with whatever they need.

On February 22 an Immigration Town Hall Community Forum Will Be Held At La Casa de Don Pedro

February 20th, 2018

On Thursday, February 22 La Casa de Don Pedro, Telemundo 47, and the Hispanic Federation will be hosting an Immigration Town Hall Community Forum located at 202 First Street Newark, NJ from 6:00pm-8:00pm. This even will feature a panel of Immigration Attorneys giving updates on DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood

On Thursday, February 22 La Casa de Don Pedro, Telemundo 47, and the Hispanic Federation will be hosting an Immigration Town Hall Community Forum located at 202 First Street Newark, NJ from 6:00pm-8:00pm. This even will feature a panel of Immigration Attorneys giving updates on DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), Immigration Reform, Temporary Protected Status, Asylum, Adjustments of Status, what to do if approached by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, followed by a Q&A .

Please join us in discussing this timely and important topic with the Greater Newark Community!

United Airlines And La Casa de Don Pedro To Partner In Support Of Recent Puerto Rican Arrivals To The Newark Area

January 16th, 2018

La Casa de Don Pedro will receive a $70,000 grant from United Airlines to provide emergency assistance and connect recent arrivals with job opportunities to help sustain their households in the area in the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. ”United Airlines is committed to lifting up communities impacted by

La Casa de Don Pedro will receive a $70,000 grant from United Airlines to provide emergency assistance and connect recent arrivals with job opportunities to help sustain their households in the area in the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

”United Airlines is committed to lifting up communities impacted by disaster, and we are proud to partner with La Casa to help connect families with the critical resources they need to recover from Hurricanes Irma and Maria,” said Sharon Grant, United Airlines Vice President of Community Affairs.

Through United’s support, La Casa de Don Pedro will be able to provide more Puerto Rican families who seek assistance with individualized action plans. These families will gain access to a variety of benefits, such as referrals for temporary lodging and more permanent homes, rental security deposits, school registration, medical assistance, nutrition assistance, FEMA enrollment, English language training and job preparation referrals. La Casa de Don Pedro projects it will work with approximately 80 households, expanding its current program that has already impacted 15 families.

“We thank United Airlines for their pledge to support Puerto Rican recent arrivals to our community. Each day we receive numerous calls and visits – from Puerto Rican families already here in Newark and from Newarkers awaiting the arrival of their relatives. La Casa is thrilled to be able to continue its efforts to welcome new families and provide them with the support they need,” said Raymond Ocasio, La Casa de Don Pedro’s Executive Director.

“To the Puerto Rican citizens arriving here, the City of Newark says, ‘Bienvenido a casa!”, said Mayor Ras J. Baraka. “Since the hurricane disaster struck Puerto Rico several months ago, the City of Newark has been on the forefront of relief efforts, working closely with our community and corporate partners such as United Airlines and La Casa de Don Pedro, and even sending our first responders to assist personnel on the ground. We are sure that the new arrivals will find our City a great place to call home.”

Since Hurricane Maria and Irma impacted Puerto Rico last September and October respectively, United has provided over $2.4 million in in-kind evacuee travel and shipments of relief supplies, as well as more than $2.8 million in cash donations from employees, customers and corporate match fund, including more than a quarter of a million dollars in support to Newark’s community. While the hurricanes passed through more than two months ago, much of the island and its infrastructure remains largely in need. United and La Casa de Don Pedro are continuing to work to lift Puerto Ricans whose home is still crippled from the effects of both hurricanes. Many of those families are living in New Jersey, home to the third-largest Puerto Rican population in the country, following Florida and New York.

If you or someone you know is a recent arrival from Puerto Rico who is in need of assistance, please contact La Casa de Don Pedro at 973.624.4222.

2018 Winter Job Fair to be held February 22

January 16th, 2018

Are you looking for employment opportunities? Join La Casa de Don Pedro on February 22, 2018 to meet with potential employers that are ready to hire. Employers like Wells Fargo, Bank of America and Synchrony Bank will be in attendance so don’t miss out! Located at 39 Broadway Newark, New

Are you looking for employment opportunities? Join La Casa de Don Pedro on February 22, 2018 to meet with potential employers that are ready to hire. Employers like Wells Fargo, Bank of America and Synchrony Bank will be in attendance so don’t miss out! Located at 39 Broadway Newark, New Jersey this event is free and open to the public.

Please arrive on time with professional attire and with plenty of extra resume’s on hand. For more information, contact Anibal Alvelo, Job Developer at 973-481-4568 or click here for more information.

LIHEAP & USF intake site at 317 Roseville Avenue will be closed until Thursday February 1st, 2018

January 11th, 2018

Please be advised the intake site at 317 Roseville Avenue will be closed to client walk-in for LIHEAP & USF until Thursday February 1st, 2018 During this time: The drop box will be available for any client wishing to drop off an application or documents from Monday – Friday 9am

La Casa Celebrates Another Successful #GivingTuesday

January 9th, 2018

Another successful #GivingTuesday has come to a close. Hundreds of families and children enjoyed a more festive holiday season, thanks to the dozens of contributors to La Casa de Don Pedro’s #GivingTuesday campaign. La Casa, among 50,000+ other partners worldwide, joined in the #GivingTuesday movement as a way to inspire

Another successful #GivingTuesday has come to a close. Hundreds of families and children enjoyed a more festive holiday season, thanks to the dozens of contributors to La Casa de Don Pedro’s #GivingTuesday campaign. La Casa, among 50,000+ other partners worldwide, joined in the #GivingTuesday movement as a way to inspire people to take collaborative action to improve their local communities and give back in better, smarter ways to the charities and causes they support.

La Casa de Don Pedro’s #GivingTuesday campaign, which launched on November 28, and continued through December 31. La Casa took on a mission to: raise $5,000 to support our programs & service, provide 500 families with a nourishing, unforgettable holiday meal, and fulfill the holiday toy wishes of the 900 children we educate and support.

By the time La Casa wrapped up its #GivingTuesday campaign, it surpassed its. We are proud to announce that this year’s campaign raised over $12,500, more than doubling our original goal. We collected and distributed holiday meal bags to 502 Newark families, and we fulfilled the holiday wishes of the over 900 kids we educate.

A number of local businesses, organizations and families gave back in huge ways this year. The Essex County Sheriff’s Office, The New Jersey Devils, North Jersey Federal Credit Union, and the Extended Basile Family “adopted” La Casa’s Preschool & Head Start Centers to fulfill each child’s holiday wish and joined the students, families and teachers for special holiday celebrations. In anticipation of their arrival, our kids put together holiday performances to bring forth the spirit of the season. The generosity and contribution of our dedicated donors is testament to their continuous investment in the future of Greater Newark’s Communities and people.

Along with the toy distributions, La Casa distributed over 4,000 pounds of perishable and non-perishable food for Newark residents at our 5th annual Holiday Food Drive!

Beginning bright and early on December 15, a crew of volunteers from the Extended Basile Family, parent volunteers, and La Casa staff, sorted food and prepared 502 bags donated by Shoprite and Trader Joes. With the majority of the goods donated by Table to Table (with donations from Hello Fresh,) Smart Buy Natural Food, and the Extended Basile Family, each bag was filled to the brim with all the necessities for a well-balanced and nutritious holiday meal, including potatoes, pasta, rice, broccoli, carrots, beans, stuffing, fresh spices, sausages, turkey, and ham!

The Basile family’s efforts were bolstered by local schools, businesses and restaurants that made donations or held fundraisers to support our #GivingTuesday campaign: Women in Flavor & Fragrance Commerce, Inc. Holy Trinity School, Smart Buy Natural Foods of Westfield, Basilico of Millburn, Feast Catering of Westfield, The Lermond Company, Oh Brian’s On the Green, IFF, Gorlin Inc. as well as the Townspeople of Kenilworth, Mountainside, Scotch Plains, Westfield among others.

Your investment makes an impact. Through the support of our friends and partners, La Casa de Don Pedro can sustain and develop innovative programs that ignite change and build a stronger Newark community. Your continued generosity and support gives us confidence that the future is bright and our community can and will thrive.

Photos from the #GivingTuesday Campaign and Holiday Celebrations can be viewed on our Flickr page.

La Casa de Don Pedro is closed Thursday January 4,2017 due to the winter storm

January 4th, 2018

Everyone please be safe, keep warm and avoid the streets during the storm!

La Casa de Don Pedro Fights Food Insecurity This Holiday Season

January 2nd, 2018

Each holiday season La Casa joins the fight to help eliminate food insecurity and hunger in the Greater Newark area by giving just a little more during the Holiday Season, beyond its regular Hunger Relief Initiative. Food insecurity is a daily struggle that is all too real for too many

Each holiday season La Casa joins the fight to help eliminate food insecurity and hunger in the Greater Newark area by giving just a little more during the Holiday Season, beyond its regular Hunger Relief Initiative.

Food insecurity is a daily struggle that is all too real for too many individuals and families in Greater Newark. According to the 2016 Feeding America “Map the Meal Gap,” 17.4 percent of Essex county residents face food insecurity, the greatest percent of people than in any other county in New Jersey. More shocking, 44% of Newark children live below the federal poverty line and face food insecurity.

Everyone deserves to celebrate the holidays with family and a warm meal, and together with its partners, La Casa worked to make sure more families joined in this tradition. La Casa collected food donations starting on #GivingTuesday (November 28) through December 14th. The next day, La Casa distributed over 4,000 pounds of perishable and non-perishable foods items for Newark residents!

Beginning bright and early on December 15, a crew of volunteers from the Extended Basile Family, parent volunteers, and La Casa staff, sorted food and prepared 502 bags donated by Shoprite and Trader Joes. With the majority of the goods donated by Table to Table (with donations from Hello Fresh,) Smart Buy Natural Food, and the Extended Basile Family, each bag was filled to the brim with all the necessities for a well-balanced and nutritious holiday meal, including potatoes, pasta, rice, broccoli, carrots, beans, stuffing, fresh spices, sausages, turkey, and ham!

Volunteers, led by Basile Family members Annie Basile and Miriam Silver-Verga, sorted the food and operated assembly line style, and it took no time at all to assemble the bags. Over the course of the day, families from La Casa’s preschool, Head Start, and community centers throughout Newark came to receive their bags while endlessly thanking us for our help. One mother said that without our help, her family of six would not have been able to have a nourishing holiday meal to gather around. While another family of nine came to us saying that receiving the holiday meal bag meant that they could now all come together and share in a meal, strengthening their family tradition. Eliminating the fear of food insecurity for families like these is at the root of what we do and reminds us of the true reason for the holiday season.

We are proud to have met the needs of those we serve and are grateful to our supporters for helping us meet our goals.

To see photos from our 5th Annual Holiday Food Drive visit our Flickr page or click here. To stay connected with us like La Casa de Don Pedro’s page on Facebook, or find us on Twitter or Instagram using @lacasanwk.

About La Casa de Don Pedro

La Casa de Don Pedro’s programs impact the lives of 50,000 people in Greater Newark every year. From early childhood education to community health & wellness, adult education, immigration services, youth enrichment, neighborhood development, community advocacy and beyond, our programs empower people and revitalize neighborhoods, every step of the way.

LA CASA DE DON PEDRO CELEBRATED ITS 45TH ANNIVERSARY WITH A MEMORABLE NIGHT OF PERFORMANCES, MUSIC, ART AND DANCE Newark, NJ [November 21, 2017] La Casa de Don Pedro, one of Northern New Jersey’s premier community based social service and community development organizations, celebrated its 45th Anniversary Gala “Together We Rise”

LA CASA DE DON PEDRO CELEBRATED ITS 45TH ANNIVERSARY WITH A MEMORABLE NIGHT OF PERFORMANCES, MUSIC, ART AND DANCE

Newark, NJ [November 21, 2017] La Casa de Don Pedro, one of Northern New Jersey’s premier community based social service and community development organizations, celebrated its 45th Anniversary Gala “Together We Rise” on Tuesday, November 14th at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. With 200 guests, musical performances, dance, and an art exhibit, NJPAC’s lobby was transformed into what felt like a stylish jazz lounge. “Together We Rise” was an unforgettable celebration of La Casa de Don that showcased the spirit of a community united under one cause: the advancement of Newark.

With Sheila Anderson, the host of WBGO Jazz 88.3 FM’s Weekend Jazz After Hours and Salon Sessions as the evening’s emcee, “Together We Rise” celebrated La Casa de Don Pedro’s 45 years of empowering and revitalizing Newark and its residents. Together We Rise honored three leaders who advance and support the vibrant Newark community: Dr. Nancy E. Cantor, Michellene Davis, Esq., and Rodney Gilbert. Michellene Davis, Esq. and Arcelio Aponte, Senior Vice Chancellor and CFO of Rutgers University – Newark, who accepted Dr. Cantor’s award on her behalf, shared powerful and inspiring sentiments about La Casa being at the forefront of change and empowering the city’s residents. La Casa de Don Pedro honored the memory and legacy of a longtime collaborator, Rodney Gilbert and his impact on the Newark community through his murals. Mr. Gilbert’s daughter, Feign Gilbert accepted the award and spoke of her father’s love of art and his hometown. Together, the evening’s honorees highlighted their excitement about the future of Newark with La Casa de Don Pedro serving a critical supporting role.

The Nuñez family, consisting of Domingo, Wendy, Katelyn, Justin and Scarlettshared an inspiring testimonial about La Casa spanning four generations. Attesting to the family’s triumph over adversity with La Casa de Don Pedro helping to lead the way, the Nuñez family shared how their lives have been touched and impacted by La Casa de Don Pedro over the past 45 years.

The evening featured musical entertainment from Newark’s own The Velvet Trio. La Casa de Don Pedro’s Call for Artist brought forth local artists who showcased their work that spoke to the theme, Together We Rise. Newark in Tune- Small Town Big City and LaQuin and the Family Tree Band gave live performances. Artists Stanley Gavidia, Georgie Morel, Red, and Spencer Frohwirth exhibited their works of art. The Newark Print Shop offered a print making activity where guests made and took home commemorative 45th Anniversary screen print posters.

La Casa de Don Pedro has launched their End of Year Appeal now through December 31st, 2017 to raise $5,000 by year’s end to strengthen its ability to empower and revitalize the Newark community. If you would like to help La Casa de Don Pedro reach its goal you can do so online, at our website www.lacasanwk.org or by texting “LaCasa” (973) 755-1812.